Sewickley Public Library Appoints New Library Director to Lead and Innovate
The Board of Directors of the Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School District is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruth M. Neely as the organization's new Library Director.
With an extensive background in library management and a passion for community engagement, Neely is poised to bring a fresh vision to the library's services and programs. She is expected to assume the position in mid-July.
As a foundational asset of the Quaker Valley community, the Sewickley Public Library’s mission is to serve as a center for lifelong learning by providing free access to informational, educational, cultural and recreational library resources that address the interests and needs of the children and adults in the greater Quaker Valley community. Neely brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, as well as a familiarity with the community that Sewickley Public Library serves. She is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she earned Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology and Political Science as well as a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science. Since 2014, Neely has served as the Director of Libraries at Sewickley Academy. Neely has a proven track record of innovative leadership, successfully spearheading several
projects at the Academy, including a largescale renovation of the library space. She has also been involved with several local communitycentered initiatives and partnerships with the Sewickley Public Library and the libraries of the Quaker Valley School District. Her deep understanding of evolving library trends and commitment to fostering inclusivity will undoubtedly continue to move Sewickley Public Library forward. By harnessing the power of innovation and collective ideas from what she describes as a “highly accomplished and professional staff” Neely intends to shape a library that continues to reflect the unique needs and aspirations of the Sewickley community.
"I am honored and excited to join the Sewickley Public Library as its new Library Director," Neely said. "Libraries have the potential to be transformative spaces, and I am committed to ensuring that the Sewickley Public Library remains an inclusive, dynamic, and vital resource
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Bag Some Books for a Bargain Gear Up for Your Next Vaca
Find an assortment of gently used books, movies & music at the Friends of the Library’s Spring Book Sale. The sale offers great fiction, non-fiction, children’s and teens titles at low prices. Visit the sale the first weekend of June at the library:
Friday, June 2 (9:00 am - 5:30 pm)
Saturday, June 3 (9:00 am - 4:30 pm)
Sunday, June 4 (1:00 pm - 3:30 pm)
Sunday is Bag Sale day - fill up one of the provided bags for just $5.00! Due to construction, the library parking lot is closed, so street parking will be necessary. A “drive through” pickup for our book sale customers will be set up by the book drop off throughout the sale.
Anniversary Events Rescheduled
Due to ongoing construction, anniversary events originally scheduled for this month have been postponed. We expect our Biggest Storytime Ever and our History Night to take place in September. Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for your patience while we work to preserve our historic building. Learn more about ongoing construction at sewickleylibrary.org
Explore Local Sites for Free
A new Experience Kit season begins June 1! In partnership with Allegheny County libraries, the Sewickley Public Library lends free passes to nearby museums and historical sites. Each season offers new sites to visit, so there’s always some place new to check out!
The sites available to visit in 2023 are:
• Heinz History Center (with Meadowcroft and Fort Pitt)
• Historic Fort Steuben
• Old Economy Village
• Railroaders Memorial Museum
• Fort Ligonier
• David Bradford House
Experience Kits from the Sewickley Public Library lend for one week at a time. Kits are available in the Children’s Department on a first-come, first served basis. Limited kits are available now; all sites available beginning June 1. More info at sewickleylibrary.org/experience
Do you want some extra ideas to entertain (and educate) your children while traveling to your vacation getaway? Request a vacation kit! Notify the Children’s Department of your destination and departure date at least one week in advance. Your kit may include fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs. Visit the Children’s Department website to fill out the Vacation Kit Request Form.
New Library Director
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for all. Together with the dedicated staff and the support of the community, we will create an environment that encourages discovery, growth, and lifelong learning." As the new Library Director, Neely will oversee the strategic direction of the library, as well as current and future renovation projects. She will be responsible for maintaining the library’s role as a community partner and ensuring the library continues to innovate with respect to the programs, services, and collections that are offered to the youth and adult patrons of the Quaker Valley. The Board of Trustees and staff at Sewickley Public Library extend their warmest welcome to Neely. Board President, Dr. Joel Swanson shared that “the Board has full confidence that Ruthie's passion for education, commitment to community engagement, and vision for the future will continue to elevate the Sewickley Public Library as a cornerstone of the community.” Neely will succeed the library’s outgoing Director Carolyn Toth who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service to the Sewickley Public
POOL NOODLE PANDEMONIUM KIT
Starting June 3 - June 15
Pick up a Pool Noodle Pandemonium kit in the Children's Department, complete with inspiration and some embellishments, then let your creativity shine! Bring your creation back to the library by June 16, so we can display it! You can visit the noodles until June 30. Pool noodle monsters, animals, beasts, people, and pool-noodlewhatevers welcome!
FAMILY BLOCK PARTY
Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm
It’s a Block Party! PLAY, BUILD, READ and LEARN together with blocks. Develop hand -eye coordination and learn STEAM concepts. BIRTH-AGE 6. Drop-in; no registration required.
LEGO CLUB
Tues | June 20 | 6:30-7:30pm
Put your building skills to work by building awesome Lego creations. We supply the Legos, you supply the creativity. No registration required, just drop into the Children’s Department at any time during Lego Club to show off your skills! GRADES 1-5. Drop-in; no registration required.
SUMMER CRAFT TO-GO KITS
Sat | June 10 & 24 | starting at 9am Stop by the Children’s Dept. to pick up a summer-themed Craft To-Go Kit! Supplies and instructions are included. These kits
Quaker Valley Middle School
MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Tuesdays | 10am & 11am
(Starting June 13) Build your baby’s reading readiness skills through music, stories, and movement in this nationally acclaimed early literacy program for babies and toddlers. For children 0-3 years old with a caregiver.
STORIES FOR TWOS & THREES
Weds | 10am & 11am
(Starting June 13) Stories, songs, rhymes, and more help build early literacy skills in this thirty-minute class. Children 30 months to 48 months (2 ½ to 4), with a caregiver.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Thursdays | 10am
(Starting June 13) Join us for reading, singing, and learning together in this thirty -minute class for preschoolers. Ages 3 ½entering Kindergarten, without a caregiver.
Ohio Township Community Park
FAMILY STORY TIME AT OHIO TWP
Mon | June 5, 12 & 26 | 10am & 11am
We’re hosting a family storytime at the gazebo at the Ohio Township Community Park. Join us for stories, songs, and a craftkit to go for the whole family. Family Program.
LOLLIPOP LAB WITH ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST
Wed | June 7 | 6:30-7:30pm
Are there plants in Lollipops? Kids will learn how the ingredients used in making lollipops are harvested from plants! They will become “flavorologists” and create a brand-new lollipop flavor. GRADES 2-5. Parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.
STORIES IN ART WITH SWEETWATER
Wed | June 21 | 6:30-7:30pm
Sweetwater Center for the Arts and SPL are teaming up this summer! We’re offering classes combining storytime and
art. Children will be introduced to different styles of art and have the opportunity to use various art mediums and materials to create marvelous masterpieces based on our storybook theme: Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle. Children entering GRADES 2-5 Parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.
FERN HOLLOW NATURE EXPLORERS
Tues | June 13 | 6:30–7:30pm
Join the educators from Fern Hollow Nature Center at Ohio Twp for an interactive nature program based on their popular “Explorers” program. We’ll learn all about the nature that surrounds us! GRADES 1-5. Parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.
CODING CLUB FOR KIDS
Sun | June 11, 18 & 25 | 1-2pm
Learn basic coding skills using different robots, including the Ozobots, Spheros and more! Children entering GRADES K-3. Parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.
Henle Park - Leetsdale
STORIES IN THE PARK – HENLE PARK
Fri | June 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 11am
SPL is hosting storytime at Henle Park! We’ll share stories, rhymes, songs and a craft to-go kit. Meet us near the Splash Pad. Bring a blanket to sit on during storytime. Family Program.
Fern Hollow Nature Center
FERN HOLLOW PLAY DATES
Wed | June 21 | 11am–1pm
Join us at Fern Hollow Nature Center in the Nature Outdoor Classroom for creative play and outdoor discovery! Bring a picnic! No registration required.
Other Locations
BOOKSTOP
Wed | June 14
(Rain-date, Thursday, June 15)
The library is teaming up with Quaker Valley Schools to bring the BOOKSTOP program to the Quaker Valley area. This partnership helps to distribute free books to children and teens in local communities. The bus route has four stops where books will be distributed. All are invited to join us at any of the following locations to pick up a free book:
9:30 am Sewickley YMCA (front entrance) -
SEWICKLEY STORYWALK®
Grab the family and take a stroll through any of these spaces and enjoy one of five different summer-themed picture books! A StoryWalk® places pages from a children’s picture book along a walking path so that children and their caregivers may enjoy nature and reading together.
AUDUBON GREENWAY (160 Magee Rd)
The Hike by Allison Farrell
FERN HOLLOW NATURE CENTER
(1901 Glen Mitchell Rd)
Friday Night Wrestle Fest by Jennifer Fox
HENLE PARK (the corner of Beaver St and Ferry St, Leetsdale)
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
MARY ROBERTS RINEHART NATURE PARK
(1412 Beaver Rd)
If You Were a City by Kyo Maclear
OHIO TOWNSHIP NATURE CENTER
(325 Nicholson Rd)
Ocean! Waves For All by Stacy McAnulty
SPL is proud to partner with Allegheny Land Trust, Fern Hollow Nature Center, Mary Roberts Rinehart Nature Park, Ohio Township Nature Center, and the Borough of Leetsdale to bring the StoryWalk program to the community.
StoryWalk ® Passport
Visitors are encouraged to pick up a Sewickley StoryWalk passport during their visit to a StoryWalk location or in the Children’s Department.
Visit at least three (3) Sewickley StoryWalk locations in 2023, fill out the info on your passport, and bring it back to the Children’s Department to be entered to win one of the StoryWalk books!
2023 Sewickley StoryWalk Dates: Spring (April 21 – May 14)
Summer (June 16 – July 2)
Back to School (August 4 – 27)
Fall (September 22 – October 15)
More than 20 Prizes to give away – enter often!
Drawing will be held October 15, 2023.
2023 SUMMER READING & LEARNING CLUB
All Together Now for children birth through entering 5th grade, runs from June 5 - August 5 Stop by all summer long to check out books, attend programs, pick up craft kits, and earn rewards & prizes by reading! Register on the Beanstack Tracker App or at sewickleylibrary.org/summer!
READING
TOGETHER – Babies, Toddlers
&
Preschoolers–from birth to 5 years
Read to your baby, toddler & preschooler every week, log minutes to earn incentives, entries for weekly raffles and grand prizes. Complete the program to receive a book at the end of the summer!
KIDS – for those reading on their own, 5 years old through entering 5th grade
Log your minutes to unlock awesome incentives just for reading! We’ll have weekly raffles all summer long! Complete the program to receive a Swag Bag at the end of the summer. We will finish off the summer with grand prize giveaways!
TAKE A WISE WALK
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am
Wise Walks is ideal for active 50+ adults who are interested in a lively social exercise program. Meet at the library and walk between 1-3 miles before returning to the library for a healthy snack. No need to sign up; new walkers are always welcome!
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Thursdays| 2-3pm
Do you have an intermediate knowledge of French? Are you looking to improve your conversational skills? This group meets virtually. Register for Zoom link.
WRITE NOW!
Fridays | 10am-12pm
Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.
SAHAJA MEDITATION
Saturdays| 11am-12pm
Enjoy the silence, peace, and stress release that is always free with this weekly meditation program. Newcomers welcome.
TEA & INSPIRATION
Thurs | June 1 | 7pm
Gather monthly to read, reflect, & explore a different inspirational theme each month. Share uplifting quotations gleaned from the world’s Scriptures and other wise sourcesall over a cup of tea and a sweet tidbit. June’s theme: Talking About Death.
EVENING FRENCH
Mon | June 5| 6:30pm
Join the conversation with our evening edition of French Conversation! Improve your speaking skills when you join the discussion. This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.
CONVERSATION SALON
Wed | June 7 | 10am
All are welcome to join this engaging group of adults in-person or virtually for great discussions. Newcomers always welcome! This group meets in-person and online. Register for the Zoom link.
SPL KNITTERS GROUP
Wed | June 7 & 21 | 10:30am-12pm
New to the hobby or have years of experience, everyone is welcome! Join us in the library to work on current projects or come to learn tips. Meets the first & third Wednesday of the month.
CARDMAKING CLASS
Wed | June 14 | 10am-12pm OR 1-3pm
We're pulling out masculine colors and themes to make cards for the men in our lives. A variety of sentiments will be on hand for you to customize your creations. All levels of card makers welcome! Class size limited. Registration required. $10 material fee payable at class.
DIY CRAFTS FOR ADULTS
Tues | June 20 | starting at 10am
Want to try a new craft project? Find the supplies & instructions you need inside our craft kits to make your own craft project at home. While supplies last.
LET’S TALK ABOUT MURDER
Mon | June 26 | 7pm
Calling all True Crime fans! Join us to talk about murder and other crimes. Come with a story to share based on this month’s theme: SERIAL KILLERS. No need to register. Meets in-person in the Community Room & virtually via Zoom with this link: tiny.cc/ltamjune23
TECH ASSISTANCE MEETUPS
Wed | June 28 | 12-2pm
Drop in at the library for help with your phone or tablet device from one of our librarians. No need to register. 12pm - Help with iPhones/iPads 1pm - Help with Android Devices
BOOK GROUPS
Brown Bag Book Group
Thurs | June 15 | 11:30am
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Fourth Tuesday Book Group
Tues | June 27 | 7pm Trust by Hernan Diaz
Summer Reading Isn’t Just for Kids!
Want to be rewarded just for reading? Join the Summer Reading Program for Adults! We’ve got loads of prizes and incentives to give away this summer! All you have to do is log the minutes you read with our reading tracker, Beanstack, between June 5 - Aug 5.
We’re giving away $50 gift cards to a local business of choice each week! And for a grand prize? How does a $150 of your choice sound? You’ll be automatically entered for weekly & grand prize drawings when you log your reads. Visit sewickleylibrary.org/ summer for details!
HONOR GIFTS
Tom and Nancy Rostek in Honor of Carolyn Toth’s Retirement
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Colleen Anzio In Memory of Eleanor (Ellie) Frances Anzio
Grace Cherry King, Marcia Neil Myers, Patricia Buckley Slater, and Anne Jones
Wigton in Memory of Georgia "Gail" Carson Danielson
James and Deborah Stepnick in Memory of Iolanda Maria Floro
Sarah Keisel in Memory of Layla Krotine
Carolyn Toth in Memory of William Logsdon
In Memory of Dolly McCutcheon: ENT & Allergy Specialists of W PA
Phyllis Patterson
SPL GIFTS
Rachel and Brian Allen
Andrea Edwards Anthony
Deborah and Ryan Ash
Scott and Wendy Brewer
Leslie Cassoff
Darryn and Michelle Cleary
CVS Health
John Mark Davia
Debra and Joseph DeMeis
James R. DePhillips
Duquesne Light
Eaton Matching Gift Fund
Ludmila Ellison
Mr. Edward Fincke
Friends of The Sewickley Public Library
Josh and Jen Gould
Chuck and Kristen Hammel
Darlene Nowak and Charles Harris
Grady Heimann
Andrew and Tracy Kaye
Kathy Kruse
David and Pamela Lasorda
Glenn and Doty Mauney
Ron and Jane McKenzie
Mariah Rawding
Mona and Bob Riordan
James and Lenore Schilling
Joanne Socha
In Memoriam: Richard K. Brandt (1945-2021)
Dr. and Mrs. John A. Straka
Joel and Maria Swanson
Matthew Tremaine
Ken and Mary Urish
Mary Jo White
Wooden Ladder Preschool of CPCBA
FOSPL GIFTS
Lauren Burns
Holly C. Campbell
Gary and Janet Chace
Lucile Conrad
Gwynne and Judy Jones
Kopf Family Foundation
Douglas and Vicki Lauffer
Dr. Paul Palevsky & Dr. Sharon Roseman
Janice Patz
Bob and Mary Ann Rondinelli
Sharron A. Schaefer
Stephen and Patricia Sherman
Elizabeth (Liza) Sipe
S. Swegman
Sherman and Ruth White
The new Library Calendar system announced on page 10 of this newsletter was paid for by gifts designated to the Richard K. Brandt Memorial Fund. Mr. Brandt, who passed in December of 2021, was a voracious reader and library supporter and according to his obituary, “was known to pack more activity in a day than many people would consider and as a result his regrets were few”. He was truly interested in everyone he met and had an effervescent way of engaging with and enjoying sincere individual connections with a diverse range of people. His laugh, his kindness, his honesty, and his genuine interest in everyday events made him easy to know and a fun person with which to spend time.
Sewickley Public Library is grateful to all the donors who contributed to Mr. Brandt’s memorial fund, and are pleased to designate these gifts to this piece of technology that will better connect our patrons with educational resources, and with each other, in ways that make our entire community more vibrant. A special thank you to Mrs. Kathryn Brandt for helping to steward these funds in a way that would have delighted her husband.
New Catalog Launch
We are excited to announce the launch of a new county-wide Library Catalog! Improved search features and staff-curated lists make finding items in the library’s collections easier. Discover new reads and titles that suit your interests with suggested read-alike titles and authors or recommend reads by leaving ratings and comments. Preview the catalog on the library’s website now before the official launch on June 12!
New & Improved Library Event Calendar
In addition to the new catalog, we’re introducing a new library calendar and room reservation experience for our users this month! This new calendar brings upgrades and improvements to offer a better user-experience. It is now easier than ever to find the programs that interest you, with an handy way to save and share events. And the new room reservation tool simplifies the process to reserve private meeting spaces at the library. Check it out by visiting website or sewickley.librarycalendar.com. This project was made possible by donations made in memory of Richard K. Brandt.
500 Thorn Street
Sewickley, PA 15143
sewickleylibrary.org
Children’s 412-741-0937
Renewals 412-622-1895
Programs to Promote Literacy for Kids
There are many ways to help your child develop the skills they need to be a successful reader. We have some tools to help you get started:
1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN We invite you to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative to help your child gain the confidence necessary to become a strong reader. Start by reading to your newborn, infant, toddler and/or preschooler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your kiddo starts kindergarten. This fun and free program has no end date except your child’s going to school - so don’t feel rushed - just enjoy the experience! Learn more about how to get started at sewickleylibrary.org/1000books.
“GROW A READER” AT SPL We believe in helping little ones develop the skills need to become successful readers. We want to welcome babies and their caregivers to the library by giving you the tools to get started on the path to reading success! Stop by the Children’s Department to pick up an Early Literacy Kit swag bag for all newborns up to 12 months old. Each kit includes items to reinforce the early literacy practices: playing, singing, reading, writing, and talking. Kits are available while supplies last; 1 kit per family.
STAYING ON TRACK WITH TEACHABLES
summer with Scholastic Teachables! From printable lessons to games to sand activities, Teachables has everything your kids need to enjoy a productive summer. This free resource for Sewickley Library cardholders has multi-grade worksheets, practice pages, and educational activities that focus on reading, writing, math, and more to keep kids learning while having fun. Discover more at sewickleylibrary.org/teachables
